peripheral neuropathy treatment at Performance Foot & Ankle in Thousand Oaks, CA

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Thousand Oaks

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the peripheral nervous system, the communication network that sends signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. It affects millions of people in the United States and most often begins in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, and burning pain. At Performance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA diagnose neuropathy, protect your feet from complications, and create treatment plans to relieve your symptoms.

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How Neuropathy Affects the Nerves

Peripheral nerves carry sensory information to the brain, such as the message that your foot hurts after stepping on a splinter. With peripheral neuropathy, nerve signaling can be disrupted in three ways:

  • Signals that should be sent are not sent
  • Signals are sent when they should not be
  • Errors distort the messages being sent

When peripheral nerves cannot send and receive signals correctly, the result can be neuropathic pain, loss of sensation, and changes in balance and coordination.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet

  • Tingling, pins and needles, or burning pain
  • Numbness or inability to feel pain or temperature changes
  • Reduced ability to feel vibration and touch
  • Loss of proprioception, or the sense of where your feet are
  • Loss of reflexes
  • Muscle weakness and balance problems
  • Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain, often worse at night

Because neuropathy reduces sensation, injuries and sores can go unnoticed and develop into ulcers and infections.

Common Causes of Neuropathy

  • Diabetes – The leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. About two-thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve damage. Learn about our diabetic foot care.
  • Low back conditions – Scoliosis, arthritis, herniated discs, and sciatica
  • Nutritional deficiencies, particularly B vitamins
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Chemotherapy
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as Agent Orange
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Trauma-induced nerve damage
  • Inherited neuropathies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • Idiopathic neuropathy, where no specific cause can be identified

How Peripheral Neuropathy Is Diagnosed

  • Medical history – Your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, habits, family history, and overall health.
  • Physical exam – Evaluation of touch, vibration, temperature sensation, reflexes, and balance.
  • Nerve conduction studies – Electromyography and nerve conduction testing to evaluate how well nerves and muscles function.
  • Small nerve fiber biopsy – A test to examine the number of nerve fiber endings in the skin.

How We Treat Neuropathy

Treatment depends on the type and location of nerve damage and your individual symptoms. Your plan may include:

  • Lifestyle changes to support nerve health
  • Managing diabetes to keep blood glucose in a safe range and slow ongoing nerve damage
  • Over-the-counter or prescription topical creams, ointments, and medicated patches
  • MLS laser therapy to help relieve pain and improve circulation
  • Custom orthotics and protective footwear to prevent pressure sores
  • Regular foot exams to catch problems early
  • Referral to trusted specialists, such as a pain management physician for evaluation of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation

Call (805) 273-1415 to schedule a neuropathy evaluation with Performance Foot & Ankle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peripheral Neuropathy

What are the early signs of neuropathy in the feet?

Early signs often include tingling, numbness, burning, or a pins-and-needles feeling in the toes and feet, which may gradually spread upward and worsen at night.

Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?

Some types of neuropathy improve when the underlying cause, such as a vitamin deficiency, is treated. For many patients, treatment focuses on slowing nerve damage and relieving symptoms.

Why is neuropathy dangerous for people with diabetes?

Loss of sensation means cuts, blisters, and pressure sores may go unnoticed. Combined with reduced circulation, these injuries can become ulcers and serious infections.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a medical history, a physical exam testing sensation and reflexes, and sometimes nerve conduction studies or a small nerve fiber biopsy.

Can a podiatrist treat neuropathy?

Yes. Podiatrists diagnose and manage neuropathy in the feet, provide protective foot care, treat symptoms, and coordinate with other specialists when needed.

Does MLS laser therapy help neuropathy?

MLS laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve circulation in some patients with neuropathy. Your podiatrist can determine whether it is appropriate for you.

How can I protect my feet if I have neuropathy?

Inspect your feet daily, wear protective shoes and socks, never walk barefoot, test water temperature before bathing, manage your blood sugar, and see your podiatrist regularly.